Keep in mind, these are prices in Colorado for mostly in-season produce (typically in-season produce is less expensive, and locally grown or from your farmer’s market is even better priced).
The prices below are broken down based on how much Rachael (7 mo.) is currently eating.
*Bananas: 6 semi-large @ $.69/lb. = $3.03
*Sweet pots: 2 large @ $1.59/lb = $1.87
*Butternut squash: 1 medium size @ $1.49/lb = $3.01
*Avocado: 6 semi-large @ $5.99 (bag from Costco)
Total spent: $13.90 for 63 servings
Earth’s Best baby food jars (this is the brand I would buy if I bought conventional baby food, you may wish to substitute the price of your favorite brand in place of this for a more accurate price comparison):
*1st foods: $.69/jar; 2 jars = 1 serving (63 x 2=126 jars)
*2nd foods: $.89/jar; 1.5 jars = 1 serving (63 x 1.5 = 94.5 jars)
Using an average of the two different sizes of jars the difference is incredible.
$85.53
-$13.90
$71.63 (this is the amount I saved for 1 month’s supply of food, it is 18% of my grocery budget!!!!)
I have not included the cost of cereal for breakfast (and to mix in when veggies have gotten too soupy from too much water added during pureeing) because Rachael receives WIC, so we do use conventional cereal because it is provided for free. For added accuracy, add in the cost of how many boxes of cereal your little one goes thru in one month and then calculate the difference. It’s still substantial if you do buy cereal.
Be sure to visit Frugal Friday for more wonderfully frugal tips!
